Coaches' Corner: Rock Falls 52 Sterling 42 11-28-09

This is why I have been saying for so long that I love the makeup of this team right now! As bad as we were on Friday night, and as hard as we were on our kids during post game meetings on Friday night and film on Saturday afternoon, our kids responded in a very positive way. We called them on what we thought was selfish play on Friday night and they proved they learned a lesson on Saturday night. As a coach, that's all you can ask is that you don't repeat mistakes-especially mental mistakes. I believe this group is really excited about learning this game and they show it almost every day. This group has already faced a lot of adversity with injuries and suspensions and to end the week at 4-1 was very satisfying.

Our scoring was very balanced: Lauts with 12, Junis and Chappell with 11, and Brown and Austin with 9 apiece. Lauts was the leading rebounder with 7. Austin and Junis each grabbed 6 boards. Our discipline on offense was much better. We got the ball in the lane on 78% of our possessions for the night and only attempted 7 three-point shots. Our defense was outstanding, holding Sterling to just 35% from the field and allowing just 8 FT attempts. We also survived a long stretch with Junis on the bench with 3 fouls in the second quarter. I probably should not have played him with 2 fouls in the second quarter, but was afraid the game might get away from us. Our kids did an outstanding job keeping it close in the second quarter.

Shay Brown has been outstanding defensively for us this first week. That has been a huge bright spot for us. Jake Junis has been as good as we thought he should be as long as we can keep him out of foul trouble. Matt Lauts has shown some versatility in the post and presents some matchup problems for opposing teams. Dylan Austin has been a very solid option on offense and has defended and rebounded well. Brett Chappell has been fearless-and I think the more he plays and learns at this level the better he will get. TJ Teske has stepped up off the bench playing his role well and providing some energy defensively. When we limit turnovers and take good shots, we look very tough and that will continue to improve. Again, all of the adversity will make this team stronger-it has to!